Survival will be the main aim for both Elche and Valladolid this season and it is the visitors who carry the momentum for this important clash in the battle to avoid relegation.

Back-to-back defeats in the first two games set the scene for what’s expected to a season-long struggle for Valladolid but Marc Valiente’s header earned their first victory in a 1-0 nail-biter at home to Getafe in week 3. New coach Juan Ignacio Martinez wasn’t given any notable signings to help improve on last season’s 14th place but can draw on the services of Fausto Rossi for Monday’s clash after his arrival on loan from Juventus.

Segunda Division champions Elche are competing in the top flight for the first time in 24 years and can expect to battle for every point in an unforgiving division. Fran Escriba’s men will be satisfied with a points earned against more experienced opponents Real Sociedad and Almeria in the last two games. However, the 3-0 defeat at Rayo Vallecana on the opening day of the season will serve as a reminder they must make the most of home advantage to hold on to their Primera Liga status.

This fixture is more familiar as a Secunda Division contest and Valladolid took six points from Elche in their promotion season, 2011/12. However, bookmakers see this as a golden opportunity for Escriba’s men to secure their first victory and put up Elche as favourite in the match betting.

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